USA Artistic Swimming Promotes Lara Teixeira to Chief of Sport

USA Artistic Swimming has announced that Lara Teixeira will expand her role with the organization to chief of sport as the NGB heads into the next Olympic cycle. Teixeira is a three-time Olympian and recently served as high-performance director for the U.S. team that won the silver medal in Paris.

The move comes after the recent retirement announcement of Shari Darst as education director. Teixeira will be supported in the transition by Darst until the end of 2024.

“I am thrilled with the announcement of Lara becoming the USAAS chief of sport, there is no one more qualified for this position,” Darst said. “Her dedication to our sport and organization will shine through by continuing the growth of education and developing even better programs. I am very excited for Lara and the organization; great things lie ahead.”

Teixeira has been with the organization since November 2019. She served as the high-performance director, full-time assistant coach, national team manager and fulfilled many other smaller roles with the NGB. She has also been a contributing factor to the success of the U.S. Junior and Youth National Teams.

“Lara is incredibly talented and unique in so many ways,” said Adam Andrasko, chief executive officer of USA Artistic Swimming. “Her understanding of every aspect of our organization and the sport is unparalleled. I am honored to work with her every day and am very proud to see her elevated into this role.”

In her new role as chief of sport, Teixeira will retain her responsibilities as high-performance director and national team manager and contribute to the roles of coach, athlete and officials’ development. She will also develop educational programs designed to impact every level of the organization.

“Lara is the highest professional I have ever seen in this sport,” said Andrea Fuentes, USAAS Senior National Team head coach. “Her optimism, radiant energy, and relentless work ethic are matched only by her ability to set firm but caring boundaries — something essential in this demanding role. Without a doubt, Lara is the ideal person to take on the role of chief of sport. I’m not only thrilled for her, but also for the entire organization.”